Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Nilay Mukherjee.

Abstract

Prechondrocytes exhibit a change in their actin cytoskeletal arrangement when subjected to loading. This study looks at the implications of the altered solid-fluid interactions due to this change. A 2-D Finite element model of a cell was developed. A solid-fluid interaction solution procedure was validated and used to determine fluid flow/pressure in a cell when subject to deformation. These values were then used to calculate fluid flow induced stresses on individual actin fibers. The results suggest that prechondrocytes alter their cytoskeletal structure to reduce stresses as a result of fluid flow due to deformation of the cell.

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